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Rabbi Tamar Manasseh

Rabbi Tamar Manasseh founded Mothers and Men Against Senseless Killings (MASK) in 2015, following the shooting death of Lucille Barnes on the south side of Chicago. Since then, the mother of two, who received her rabbinical training from The Israelite Academy, presented by The Israelite Board of Rabbis, has been focusing on preventing gun violence and addressing its underlying causes of poverty, joblessness, food insecurity and a failing educational system. MASK’s mission is to put “eyes on the streets,” interrupt violence and crime, and teach children to grow up as friends rather than enemies. The organization partners with others in the community to ensure everyone has access to necessary city services, opportunities for education and professional skills growth, and economic development. Rabbi Manasseh also helped launch MASK initiatives in cities throughout the nation, including Evansville, Staten Island and Memphis. She is the subject of the 2023 film Rabbi on the Block, documenting her journey as a Black Jewish woman becoming ordained as a rabbi.

Healing a Traumatized Nation and its People

Healing a Traumatized Nation and its People

Since the barbaric attacks of October 7, providing mental health services and rebuilding individual, communal and national resilience have been priorities.

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Bringing Israelis Together

Bringing Israelis Together

Demonstrating the power of connection, Federation’s longtime partnership city of Yerucham recently hosted a visit from residents of Kibbutz Or HaNer, a community on the Gaza border hit hard on October 7.

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Subscribe to PJ Library for Free Books


Subscribe to PJ Library for Free Books


With a free subscription to PJ Library, children from birth to eight years old receive Jewish storybooks and activities that spark conversations around Judaism and inspire the whole family to celebrate what they love about Jewish life.

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Nominate an Outstanding Teen

Nominate an Outstanding Teen

Do you know an extraordinary Jewish teen who is a true changemaker? Each year, the Helen Diller Family Foundation awards 15 Jewish teens with $36,000 in recognition of their exceptional leadership and engagement in service projects that embody the value of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

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